It has placed an order for more than 1,450 cushions at a cost of £100,000 with a life-span of three years.

The cushions, manufactured by Parkhouse, are being handed out to patients as part of a drive to reduce pressure ulcers at the trust. They have layers of different density foam with an air layer which helps distribute a patient’s weight.

David Newton, matron involved in the project, said: “We are investing in patient safety. Initially we were going to buy 300 cushions, but then decided we should have these on every ward, making them easily accessible when at-risk patients need them.

“The feedback from staff and patients has been very positive. We know these cushions will work alongside other areas of best practice for reducing pressure ulcers.”

The trust said that regular checking – every patient admitted has a pressure ulcer risk assessment – has seen a marked fall in the most serious pressure ulcers.

It reduced its stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers by 21% in 2011-12, but the trust has set an ambition to have no avoidable stage 2, 3 and 4 pressure ulcers by December.

Source:

Press statement (attached, right)

Reference:

September 2012

Readers' comments
(4)

Anonymous | 25-Sep-2012 4:29 pm

Well done Nottingham. Pressure care cushions for chairs are often forgotten about even when special mattresses are provided

I've never understood the logic of get out of bed to relieve pressure areas and then sitting in a chair all day. What would also help would be if patients got up out of bed/chair and walked around a bit more.

Money well spent! In this day of high techthe basics seem to get forgotten.Patient comfort is paramount.Thank god theres still a few of us dinosaurs about!! Jeannieps welldone to the sherif of Nottingham!!!

I do believe it is a sensible precaution to use pressure relief cushions though there have been guidlines within the NHS about the use of foam. It can become contaminated, cant be cleaned and could be allegenic. There are far better breathable and even washable pressure relief products manufactured quite close in Ilkeston.